Hinge mechanism

ABSTRACT

Technologies are described for a hinge mechanism coupled to at least a dual-display device wherein the displays can rotate with respect to each other through 360 degrees. The hinge mechanism has at least one flexible connection member that follows a generally S-shaped path when the displays are in a tablet position. In some embodiments, a second flexible connection member can be added that follows a mirrored S-shaped path. The S-shaped path of the first flexible connection member and the mirrored S-shape path of the second flexible connection member together create a cross-configuration. In other embodiments, interconnected friction hinges can allow for a free-stop function at any point along the 360 degrees of rotation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/182,325, filedJun. 14, 2016, which application is incorporated herein by referenced inits entirety.

BACKGROUND

Modern mobile phones and tablets have evolved over recent years to thepoint where they now possess a broad range of capabilities. They are notonly capable of placing and receiving mobile phone calls, multimediamessaging (MMS), and sending and receiving email, but they can alsoaccess the Internet, are GPS-enabled, possess considerable processingpower and large amounts of memory, and are equipped with high-resolutioncolor liquid crystal displays capable of detecting touch input. As such,today's mobile phones are general purpose computing andtelecommunication devices capable of running a multitude ofapplications. For example, modern mobile phones can run web browsers,navigation systems, media players and gaming applications.

Along with these enhanced capabilities has come a demand for largerdisplays to provide a richer user experience. Mobile phone displays haveincreased in size to the point where they can now consume almost theentire viewing surface of a phone. To increase the size of displays anyfurther would require an increase in the size of the phones themselves.This is not desirable, as users want their mobile phone to fitcomfortably in their hand or in a shirt or pants pocket.

As a result, dual-display devices are becoming more popular. With adual-display device, the mobile phone or tablet can include an open,expanded position where both displays are flush so that the user feelslike there is a single integrated display. In a closed, condensedposition, both displays are face-to-face so as to protect the displays.In a fully-open position, the dual displays can sit back-to-back so theuser needs to flip the device to view the opposing display.

Hinges for such dual-display devices are problematic. Typically, thehinges can protrude from the device as it switches between positions. Asdevices continually become thinner, hinges need to be adapted toaccommodate the thinner displays without further protrusion from theback of the device as it is opened and closed. Additionally, excessslack can make the two displays feel loosely connected. Other problemsinclude that the displays do not open and close smoothly. Still yetanother problem is the ability to stop the displays in any position asthe displays are opened and closed. Torque or friction hinges are knownand offer resistance to a pivoting motion. However, the friction hingescan be bulky and protrude from the device.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide improved hinges for multipledisplay devices.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Technologies are described for a hinge mechanism coupled to at least adual-display device wherein the displays can rotate with respect to eachother through 360 degrees. When the device is dual displays, thedisplays can be face-to-face in a closed position, in a single plane inan open-book or tablet position, and back-to-back in a fully-openposition. The hinge mechanism has at least one flexible connectionmember that follows a generally S-shaped path when the displays are in atablet position. In some embodiments, a second flexible connectionmember can be added that follows a mirrored S-shaped path. The S-shapedpath of the first flexible connection member and the mirrored S-shapepath of the second flexible connection member together create across-configuration.

Each device can include a hinge lug that has top and bottom channels forreceiving the flexible connection members. Both the first and secondflexible connection members can be coupled together through atermination block. A screw can be threaded through the hinge lug andpush on the termination block so as to create tension in the first andsecond flexible connection members. Alternatively, a spring can be usedin conjunction with the termination block to create tension in theflexible connection members.

In other embodiments, friction hinges can be used in conjunction withthe flexible connection members. The friction hinges can be coupledtogether through a gearing mechanism so that the friction hingescooperatively combine to provide a free-stop function.

The hinges provide numerous advantages. Foremost, the flexibleconnection members stay within the channels of the hinge lugs and do notextend (or extend minimally) beyond the surface of the dual-displaydevice as it is being rotated through 360 degrees. Moreover, theflexible connection members can be easily tightened, such as by turninga screw that is exposed externally with the dual-display device in aclosed position. Moreover, the friction hinge can allow the device tofree stop in any position through the 360 degree rotation. The hingemechanisms and the friction hinges can be positioned adjacent to oneanother to provide both features simultaneously.

As described herein, a variety of other features and advantages can beincorporated into the technologies as desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a dual-display device coupled using hinges according to oneembodiment, wherein the dual-display device is shown rotating to variouspositions.

FIGS. 2A-2E show a progression between a closed position with displayspositioned face-to-face to a fully open position wherein the displaysare shown back-to-back.

FIG. 3 is an embodiment of a hinge having one flexible connection memberfollowing an S-shaped path with a single tightening mechanism to createtension in the flexible connection member.

FIG. 4 is an embodiment of a hinge having two flexible connectionmembers, one following an S-shaped path, and a second having a mirroredS-shaped path to create a cross-configuration between the flexibleconnection members and further including two tightening mechanisms totighten the flexible connection members.

FIG. 5 is an embodiment of a hinge showing coupling members that createa bend and a reverse bend in a flexible connection member.

FIG. 6 is an assembly drawing of an embodiment with the flexibleconnection members as S-shaped wires, with a male/female friction hingeso as to allow free stops in any position through 360 degrees.

FIG. 7 shows the assembly of FIG. 6 assembled within the dual-displaydevice.

FIG. 8 shows a top view of the hinge with cross-sectional views alonglines A-A and B-B.

FIG. 9 shows a progression of how the flexible wire changesconfiguration as the dual-display device rotates from a closed positionto a tablet position.

FIG. 10 shows a male and female friction hinge according to oneembodiment allowing for free stop positions at various angles ofrotation between the displays.

FIG. 11 shows an assembly drawing of the friction hinge of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 shows the friction hinge assembled to couple together devicesaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows an assembly drawing of a friction hinge of FIG. 12.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show different embodiments of the friction hinges ofFIGS. 10 and 12.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a friction hinge with the devices in aclosed position.

FIG. 16 shows the friction hinge of FIG. 15 with about an angle of 30degrees between the devices.

FIG. 17 shows the friction hinge of FIG. 15 with about an angle of 90degrees between the devices.

FIG. 18 shows the friction hinge of FIG. 15 with about an angle of 160degrees between the devices.

FIG. 19 shows the friction hinge of FIG. 15 with about an angle of 180degrees between the devices.

FIG. 20 shows the friction hinge of FIG. 15 with about an angle of 200degrees between the devices.

FIG. 21 shows the friction hinge of FIG. 15 with about an angle of 270degrees between the devices.

FIG. 22 shows the friction hinge of FIG. 15 with about an angle of 320degrees between the devices.

FIG. 23 shows the friction hinge of FIG. 15 with about an angle of 360degrees between the devices.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a method for coupling and tightening a hingeaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a method for assembling a friction hingeaccording to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a hinged mobile electronic device 100comprising a first display device 110 and a second display device 120coupled together with one or more hinges 130, 132. The mobile electronicdevice 100 can be, for example, a hand-held device, such as a smartphone, or a portable computer, such as a lap-top. Each device 110, 120can include a display and each device sits end-to-end with the hinges130, 132 coupling the ends together with sufficient tension that thedevices can pivot relative to each other around the ends. The mobileelectronic device 100 is shown in a tablet mode with the first andsecond display devices aligned in a plane so as to form a larger displayarea. As shown in phantom lines 140, 142, the second display device 120can rotate counterclockwise relative to display device 110 or can rotateclockwise, as shown by phantom line 150. As described further below, thehinges 130, 132 allow a full 360 degrees of rotation between the firstand second display devices 110, 120. For purposes of brevity, theembodiments described herein are shown for two-display devices, but canbe extended to additional display devices, such as 3 or more displays.

The first and second display devices 110, 120 can comprise a pluralityof user interface screens 160, 170, respectively. The screens 160, 170can be used for user input and/or display purposes. The screens 160, 170can also be replaced with a plurality of smaller screens and/or otheruser interface mechanisms, such as a keyboard. Exemplary embodiments ofthe hinged mobile electronic device can comprise such user interfacemechanisms on any surfaces and on any combination of surfaces asdesired.

FIGS. 2A-2E show different positions that the hinged mobile electronicdevice 100 can take. In FIG. 2A, the first display device 110 includesthe screen 160 on a device face (shown in dark) and a back surface 180.Likewise, the second display device 120 is shown with the screen 170 ona device face (shown in dark) and a back surface 182. Ends of the firstand second display devices are shown at 190, 192, respectively, andpoints labeled A and B show the relative pivoting motion between thefirst and second display devices 110, 120. FIG. 2A represents a closedposition wherein the screens 160, 170 are face-to-face. In the closedposition, the screens are protected and generally not visible to theuser with point A above point B.

FIG. 2B shows the first display device 110 open at an angle of about 30degrees with respect to the second display device 120. Note that thepoint A remains in a position above point B. In FIG. 2C, the hingedmobile electronic device 100 is nearly in a tablet mode wherein thescreens 160, 170 are in a same plane so as to give an appearance of asingle unitary display. The tablet mode represents a relative rotationof 180 degrees. FIG. 2C shows a relative rotation of about 150 degreesfrom the position shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2D shows that the point A canrotate past point B so as to have a rotation angle of about 230 degrees.Finally, in FIG. 2E, the hinged mobile device 100 is in a fully openposition with 360 degrees of rotation from the initial position in FIG.2A. Point A now sits below Point B and the screens 160, 170 areoutwardly facing while the first and second display devices areback-to-back.

FIG. 3 shows a side-elevational view of an embodiment of the firstdisplay device 110 and the second display device 120 coupled togetherwith the hinge 130. In this embodiment, the hinge 130 includes a firstcoupling mechanism 310 coupled to the first display device 110, a secondcoupling mechanism 320 coupled to the second display device 120 and aflexible connection member 330 coupled between the first and secondcoupling mechanisms 310, 320. The flexible connection member 330 followsa generally S-shaped path with a first bend shown at 340 and a reversebend shown at 350. Intermediate the first bend 340 and the reverse bend350 is a middle portion 352 of the connection member 330, which runsparallel to and between an end 370 of the first display device 110 andan end 372 of the second display device. The first and second couplingmechanisms 310, 320 are on opposite sides of the devices 110, 120 so asto form the S-shaped path. For example, in the tablet mode with thescreens 160, 170 both on a top surface in the same plane, one of thecoupling mechanisms 310 is on a back side of the device 110 and theother coupling mechanism 320 is on a front side of the opposing device120. A tightening mechanism 360 coupled to the coupling mechanism 310can be used to maintain a selected tension in the first flexibleconnection member 330. The tightening mechanism 360 can be either a pushor pull arrangement. In some embodiments, the tightening mechanism canbe spring-based, while in other embodiments the tightening mechanism caninclude a screw that when turned increases the tension on the flexibleconnection member 330. The tightening mechanism 360 can be coupled toeither coupling mechanism 310, 320, although it is shown on the backsurface of the first display device 110. Moreover, additional tighteningmechanisms can be used, such as one attached to coupling mechanism 320.The flexible connection member 330, can be any of a variety of differentmaterials including a cable, a wire, a conductor, a belt, an opticalfiber, a chain, etc. In some embodiments, the flexible connection member330 can be a communications path so that electrical signals (e.g., poweror data) can be passed between the devices. For example, a cable, wire,conductor, or an optical fiber can be used to transmit power and/or databetween devices. Other materials, such as a chain or belt can providedifferent advantages in terms or strength or flexibility. The couplingmechanisms can be a hinge lug or any other mechanical device that can bephysically attached to the display device and receive the flexibleconnection member 330. The benefit of the hinge 130 is that byconnecting the flexible connection member 330 to one side of one of thedisplay devices and to the opposite side of the opposing display device,a low-cost hinge mechanism is formed between the two ends of the displaydevices that provides increased stability over devices that attachcables to a same side of both devices. With this arrangement, theconnection member 330 pulls the two devices 110, 120 together.

FIG. 4 shows a side elevational view of a hinge 400 according to anotherembodiment wherein two flexible connection members 410, 420 are used ina cross-configuration. In this embodiment, a first device 430 is coupledto a second device 432 end-to-end so that ends 440 and 442 arepositioned adjacent one another. The connection member 410 issubstantially S-shaped, while the connection member 420 is substantiallya mirrored S-shape. The connection members 410, 420 cross each other asthey pass between the ends 440, 442 of the devices 430, 432. Device 410has a coupling mechanism 450 fixedly mounted on a back of the device 430and a coupling mechanism 452 fixedly mounted on a front face of thedevice. Likewise, device 432 has coupling mechanisms 456, 458 on frontand back surfaces, respectively. The connection member 410 is coupled tothe coupling mechanism 450 on the back side of device 430, and to thecoupling mechanism 456 on the front side of device 432. Similarly,connection member 420 is connected at one end to coupling mechanism 452on a front side of device 430 and to coupling mechanism 458 on a backside of device 432. Each flexible connection member 410, 420 is coupledto a respective tightening mechanism 460, 462. The tightening mechanisms460, 462 can be used to increase tension on the connection members 410,420 after assembly of the device. The cross configuration of the hinge400 forces the ends 440, 442 to stay closely bound together whileallowing the devices 430, 432 to rotate through a full 360 degrees withrespect to one another, as was described in FIGS. 2A-2E.

FIG. 5 shows a side elevational view of a hinge 500 according to anotherembodiment. In this embodiment, a first device 510 is coupled to asecond device 512 by the hinge 500. The first device 510 has a couplingmember 520 with top and bottom sections 522, 524 adjacent to bottom andtop faces 530, 532 of the device. The second device 512 includes acoupling member 540 having bottom and top sections 542, 544 adjacent totop and bottom faces 546, 548. How close the coupling member 540 is tothe faces depends on a width 559 of the coupling member 540 from amiddle of the device 512. The width 559 can be selected so that thehinge 500 does not protrude beyond the faces when the devices 510, 512are rotated relative to each other. Coupling member 520 is generallysized equally to coupling member 540. A connection member 560 passesover the top section 522 of the coupling member 520 to form a bend andunder a bottom section 542 of the coupling member 540 to form a reversebend. The overall shape of connection member is a mirrored S-shape. Aconnection member 562 is similarly coupled in a mirrored S-shape path.The connection members 560, 562 are both coupled to a same tighteningmember 570 at one end and at an opposite end to a same tightening member572. The tightening members 570, 572 can be moved in the direction shownby arrows adjacent thereto so as to increase tension on the connectionmembers 560, 562. The tightening members 570, 572 can be wiretermination devices that are e.g. injection molded with the connectionmembers embedded therein. One tightening member can be sufficient.However, if two are used, tightening distance per tightening member canbe halved so as to conserve space inside devices 510, 512. FIG. 5 alsoshows screen displays 580, 582 on the top faces 532, 546 of the devices.The screen displays 580, 582 are aligned in a same plane to as toprovide an appearance of one larger screen in a tablet mode.

FIG. 6 shows an assembly drawing of an embodiment of a hinge 600 thatcan be used for coupling devices together. In this embodiment, fourwires 610 (two wire loop pairs) are used as the flexible connectionmembers. The wires 610 are coupled between two wire termination blocks612, 614. Each of the four wires 610 has either a substantially S-shapeor a mirrored S-shape. An S-shape and mirrored S-shape loop with endscoupled in the wire termination blocks creates a substantiallyfigure-eight shape. The wires 610 are mounted onto the coupling members,which in this case is a hinge lug 620 and an opposed hinge lug 622. Thehinge lug 620 has two downward-sloping channels 630, 632, each one toaccommodate one of the wires in a wire loop. As shown at 640, thechannels come to a peak of the slope and then follow an outer perimeterof the hinge lug to extend along a hinge lug end, and then wrap aroundthe bottom of the hinge lug. A channel divider 650 divides the channels630, 632 to keep the wire loops in place. A tension screw 660 isthreaded through a hole that passes through the hinge lug. The hinge lug620 is coupled to a mounting plate 662 having holes for receiving screwsto mount the hinge lug 620 to a face of the device. A friction hinge 670is used to allow the devices to rotate with a free stop at any desiredangle of rotation. The friction hinge 670 includes a rotatable maleportion 680 having a cylindrical pin connector 684 that is coupled intoa receptacle of a mounting bracket 686. A female portion 682 has acavity therein for receiving the male portion so that they can berotatably and slidably coupled together. The female portion 682 alsoincludes a cylindrical connector to rotatably mount to a friction clipwithin a mounting bracket 690. Both mounting brackets 686 and 690 haveholes for receiving mounting screws for mounting the brackets to thedevices. The combination of the hinge 600 and friction hinge 670 allowstwo devices to be coupled together and rotate relative to each otherthrough 360 degrees with a free stop in any position. With the free stopfeature, a user can release the displays at any position and they willstay in that position.

FIG. 7 shows the hinge 600 of FIG. 6 assembled and ready to be mountedto first and second devices 710, 712. Each device 710, 712 has arespective cutout to form an opening 720 into which the assembled hinge600 can sit. Threaded mounting holes 730, 732 can be used to receivescrews located in mounting plates 740, 742 so as to couple both devices710, 720 to the hinge 600. The hinge 600 mounted into the devices 710,712 is shown at 740.

FIG. 8 is a top-down view of an embodiment of a hinge assembly 810allowing a 360 degree range of motion. A friction hinge 820 ispositioned adjacent to the hinge assembly 810 and can allow a free stop(a holding action) at any point of rotation. The hinge assembly 810includes two hinge lugs 830, 832 positioned end-to-end and held togetherwith four wires 840, 842, 844, 846, coupled to termination devices 850,852. The adjustment screws 860, 862 are threaded through the hinge lugs830, 832 and press on the termination devices 850, 852 so as to increasetension in the wires 840, 842, 844, 846. Turning either screw 860, 862increases tension on all four wires due to the wires being coupled toboth termination devices 850, 852. A cross-sectional view 870 is shownalong lines A-A. The wire 846 follows a generally S-shaped path whilethe wire 844 follows a mirrored S-shape path. Together they form anelongated figure-eight shape or otherwise two back-to-back pear shapes.In either case, a closed-loop pattern is formed by the combination oftwo separate wires. The hinge lug 830 has a channel in which the wire844 sits. The channel has a peak 880 that slopes downwardly as itapproaches the termination device 850. Additionally, the channel extendsdown an end face of the hinge lug 830 before wrapping around an opposedpeak 882 and sloping upwardly to the termination device 850. The peaks880 and 882 can align with the front and back faces of the devices so asto ensure that the hinge does not extend beyond the faces when rotating.The opposed peaks 880, 882 are used to couple different wires 884, 846,respectively, and to form bends or reverse bends as the wires passwithin the channel. Additionally, each wire passes from one terminationdevice (e.g., 850) through part of the channel on one of the hinge lugs,between ends of the hinge lugs, into a channel on the opposed hinge lug,and finally to the termination device (e.g., 852) on the other device.The two hinge lugs 830, 832 thereby combine to provide a bend andreverse bend in the wires as the wires pass over the peaks of the hingelugs. The wires terminate in a same horizontal plane within thetermination devices 850, 852 so as to provide even tension on the wires.

A cross-sectional view 890 is shown along lines B-B. The adjustmentscrew 860 includes a head 892 that can be screwed when the hinge lug isbent to expose the screw. In this way, the tension on the wires can beincreased after manufacture and at any time during the life of thedevices by merely rotating (pivoting) the devices relative to each otherat a sufficient angle to expose the screw head 892. FIG. 2E is anexample configuration wherein the screw heads for each hinge lug areexposed. The screw 860 threads in a hole that extends through the hingelug 832 and extends into a recess 894 of the termination device 852.Screwing of the screw 890 tightens multiple wires simultaneously andpulls the devices together with increased force.

FIG. 9 shows a series of images with two devices in a closed positionand opening to a tablet position and the relative positions of the hingelugs and the friction hinge during the rotational movement between thedevices. A first device 910 and a second device 912 are shown in aclosed position at 920. In this position, a friction hinge has a maleportion 930 and a female portion 932 that sit in a vertical position.The wires, such as wire 934, pass from one side of device 910 to anopposite side of device 912 and are bent around the hinge lugs, asalready described. While the wires are bent, they are in more of aU-shape configuration. At 940, the device 910 rotates to create a 30angle between it and the second device 932. At 950, the devices 930, 932are at about a 100 degree angle. The flexible wire 934 bends as therotation is occurring. If a user releases a grip on the devices, theywill stay in the illustrated position due to the friction hinge. Asillustrated at 960 as the devices continue to be opened, the devicehalves are rotating with high tension in the wire to keep the devicehalves together. Finally, at 970, the device is in a tablet position andthe wires move into a substantially S-shaped configuration and mirroredS-shape configuration. Thus, the wires transformed configuration from asubstantially U-shaped configuration to a substantially S-shapedconfiguration.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a hinge assembly 1000 including first andsecond friction hinges 1010 and 1012 coupled together through a gearedconnection, shown generally at 1020. Friction hinges are a term used inthe art and are also called Constant Torque Hinge, Position Hinge,Clutch hinge, or Detent Hinge. The term friction hinge is meant toinclude any hinge wherein at least two devices can be rotated relativeto each other with a free stop feature wherein a user can release thedevices and due to the holding force of the friction hinges, the devicesremain in their respective position. In general, friction hinges areused in laptop computers, for example.

The friction hinge 1010 is a male friction hinge having an elongatedextension member 1030 with an elongated slot 1032 formed therein. Theextension member is symmetrical on top and bottom. The female frictionhinge 1012 includes a recess in which the extension member 1030 ispositioned. The female friction hinge 1012 also includes a pin 1034sized to fit within the elongated slot 1032. The pin 1034 and slot 1032form a geared pin-and-slot joint to ensure that the male and femalefriction hinges 1010 and 1012 are coupled together while being able tocooperatively slide in a radial direction. More particularly, the pin1034 and slot 1032 prevents the male and female friction hinges 1010,1012 from separating. A cap member 1050 is snapped onto the top of thehinge assembly 1000 using the pin 1034 and a mating pin receptacle 1052.As described further below, the hinge assembly 1000 allows male andfemale friction hinges 1010, 1012 to be coordinately coupled so thatthey can rotate together in unison and can slide radially relative toeach other so as to provide smooth rotational operation.

FIG. 11 shows an assembly drawing of the hinge assembly 1000. The malefriction hinge 1010 includes a coupling portion 1110 that comprises theelongated extension member 1030 having the slot 1032 formed therein. Themale friction hinge 1010 also includes a pin 1112 extendingperpendicularly to the coupling portion 1110. The pin 1112 is sized tofit within a female receptacle 1116 with a friction fit to form a firstaxis of rotation. The female friction hinge 1012 has a coupling portionwith a recess 1120 formed therein that is sized to fit the elongatedextension member 1030 of the male friction hinge 1010. The femalefriction hinge 1012 also includes a pin 1130 that is sized to fit withina female receptacle 1132 with a friction fit to form a second axis ofrotation. The female receptacles 1116, 1132 are shown as a slotted clip,but other types of female receptacles can be used such as a frictiondisk, a “question-mark” band, a roll pin, a tapered shaft, etc. Thefemale receptacle 1116 is coupled to a mounting plate 1140, which mountsto a device 1150 using screws 1152 and mounting holes 1154 located onthe device. The female friction hinge 1012 also includes a mountingplate 1142 that mounts to the other device 1160 using screws 1162. Bothpins 1112, 1130 rotate within the female receptacles 1116, 1132 tocreate two axes of rotation. However, because the coupling portion 1110of the male friction hinge is coupled within the recess 1120 of thefemale friction hinge 1012, the two axes of rotation about pins 1112,1130 are rotated in unison through the mutual gearing between thefriction hinges 1010, 1012. Additionally, due to the mutual gearing,there is a level of load sharing between the friction hinges to provideadditional ability to free stop the devices 1150, 1160 as they arerotated relative to one another. Still further, the female and malefriction hinges 1010, 1012 cooperatively slide in a radial directiontowards and away from each other as the devices 1150, 1160 rotaterelative to each other.

FIG. 12 shows a hinge assembly 1200 according to another embodiment. Inthis embodiment, there are two friction hinges 1210, 1220 that arecoupled together through a geared cooperation so that they rotate inunison. The friction hinge 1210 is a male friction hinge having anelongated extension member 1230 that extends within a recess 1240 of thefemale friction hinge 1220. The elongated extension member 1230 canslide in a radial direction so that coupling portions 1250, 1252 movetowards and away from each other as they rotate in unison. The frictionhinges 1210, 1220 rotate on axes 1260, 1262 due to pins (not shown)extending perpendicularly to the coupling portions 1250, 1252. Thefriction hinges 1210, 1220 also include mounting plates 1270, 1272 forsecuring the friction hinges to devices 1280, 1282 that rotate relativeto each other and that can be stopped at any rotational position due tothe cooperative holding force generated by the friction hinges 1210,1220 and the cooperative nature of the coupling portions 1250, 1252. Forexample, holding forces generated by one of the friction hinges can bepassed to the other friction hinge through the male/female connection1230, 1240.

FIG. 13 is an assembly diagram of the hinge assembly 1200. The frictionhinge 1210 includes the coupling portion 1250 including the elongatedextension member 1230. In this case, the elongated extension member 1230includes a keyed bottom end 1310 and a smooth top portion 1312. As aresult, a top portion 1312 of the elongated extension member 1230 can beasymmetrical with the keyed bottom portion. The friction hinge 1210further includes a pin 1320 extending along a rotational axis andperpendicular to the coupling portion 1250. For mounting to the device1280, the frictional hinge further includes the mounting plate 1270,which includes a female receptacle 1330 therein sized for receiving thepin 1320 with a friction fit. In this case, the female receptacle is aslotted clip that exerts a force on the pin 1320 due to the pin beingslightly larger than the female receptacle. Other types of femalereceptacles can be used as outlined above.

The female friction hinge 1220 includes the coupling portion 1252, whichhas a recess 1240 therein sized so that the elongate extension member1230 fits within the recess 1240 with a friction fit. In this way,rotation of the coupling portion 1252 can generate a force on the sidewalls 1310, 1312 to transfer rotational force between the couplingmembers 1250, 1252. The female friction hinge 1220 also includes a pin1350 that is positioned within a female receptacle 1352 of the mountingplate 1272. The mounting plate 1272 is coupled to the device 1282 usinga bracket 1360 having threaded holes for receiving screws, which extendthrough the mounting plate 1272.

Although two coupling methods are shown in FIGS. 10-13 for couplingtogether the friction hinges, there are a variety of configurations thatcan be used. The friction hinges can be coupled so as to have a frictionfit there between. Typically, such a friction fit can be accomplishedwith a male/female connection, but other connection techniques can beused. A geared coupling can be used to ensure that rotational energy istransferred between the first friction hinge and the second frictionhinge. Additionally, it is desirable that the connection is such thatthe frictional hinges can move towards and away from each other toensure smooth rotation of the devices.

FIG. 14 shows cross-sectional views of two coupling techniques for thefriction hinges. In a first coupling technique shown at 1000, a firstfriction hinge 1010 is rotationally coupled to a second friction hinge1012 so that they rotate in unison. The geared connection 1020 isdesigned to allow radial movement of the friction hinges with respect toeach other. For example, the elongated slot 1032 can allow radialmovement of the frictional hinges 1010, 1012 a distance “D”, asindicated at 1410. The pin 1034 ensures that the frictional hinges movealong a predefined line and ensures that the hinges do not decouple.

In the second coupling technique shown at 1200, the first and secondcoupling portions 1250, 1252 are coupled together through a keyedelongated extension member 1230. The recess 1240 is sized so as to allowradial movement of the frictional hinges a distance “D”, as indicated at1420.

FIGS. 15 through 23 show a progression of the frictional hinges as theymove through a 360 degree cycle. In FIG. 15, the distance D shown at1420 is at its maximum and the elongate extension member's end point1510 is positioned at the end of the recess. At this point, the devicesare in a fully open position with display surfaces 1520, 1530 outwardlypositioned. FIG. 16 shows the frictional hinges as the devices 1280,1282 are opened to about 30 degrees. Due to the dual friction hinges,the device 1280 can be held while releasing device 1282 and device 1282will remain at its current position. FIG. 17 shows the devices 1280,1282 at a 90 degree angle relative to each other. The distance D fromthe previous figures has gone to a distance of zero and a keyed end 1720is abutting an end wall of a notch in the recess, as shown at 1730. Thenotch acts like a stop in this case to prevent separation of thefriction hinges. Additionally, the end wall prevents further radialmotion and ensures that the friction hinges do not separate. FIG. 18shows that as the devices approach 180 degrees, the distance D, shown at1420 increases with respect to FIG. 17. FIG. 19 shows the devices at 180degrees with the distance D at its maximum. FIG. 20 shows that as thedevices approach 270 degrees of rotation, the keyed elongate membercontinues to move within the recess. FIG. 21 again shows the elongatemember such that it restricts any further separation between the hingesdue to the keyed end, as described above. The distance D, whichrepresents a radial movement of the friction hinges with respect to eachother, dynamically changes as the devices are rotated. Finally, FIGS. 22and 23 show about 300 degrees and 360 degrees respectively. FIG. 23shows the devices in the closed position with the screens being notviewable.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment forconnecting first and second devices. In process block 2410, a firsthinge lug is coupled to the first device. In process block 2420, asecond hinge lug is coupled to a second device. In process block 2430, afirst flexible connection member is coupled from a bottom channel of thefirst hinge lug to a top channel of the second hinge lug. In processblock 2440, a second flexible connection member is coupled in the topchannel of the first hinge lug and the bottom channel of the secondhinge lug, so that the first and second flexible connection members arein a cross configuration. In process block 2450, the first and secondflexible connection members are coupled to a termination block. Andfinally, in process block 2460, the first and second flexible connectionmembers are tightened using the termination block.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment forcoupling at least two different types of friction hinges. In processblock 2510, a first mounting plate is provided and coupled to the firstdevice. In process block 2520, a second mounting plate is provided andcoupled to the second device. In process block 2530, a pin of a malefriction hinge is inserted into the first mounting plate. In processblock 2540, a pin of a female friction hinge is inserted into the secondmounting plate. In process 2550, an elongated extension member of themale friction hinge is inserted into the female friction hinge tointerconnect the two friction hinges together. Thus, two different typesof friction hinges are connected together so as to coordinate rotationalmovement as the first and second devices rotate relative to one another.

The devices described herein can be any of a variety of electronicdevices including a laptop, notebook, netbook, or the like. One or moreof the devices can include touchscreen capabilities. Touchscreens canaccept input in different ways. For example, capacitive touchscreensdetect touch input when an object (e.g., a fingertip or stylus) distortsor interrupts an electrical current running across the surface. Asanother example, touchscreens can use optical sensors to detect touchinput when beams from the optical sensors are interrupted. Physicalcontact with the surface of the screen is not necessary for input to bedetected by some touchscreens. Devices without screen capabilities alsocan be used in example environment.

The disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems should not be construed aslimiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed towardall novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosedembodiments, alone and in various combinations and subcombinations withone another. The disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems are notlimited to any specific aspect or feature or combination thereof, nor dothe disclosed embodiments require that any one or more specificadvantages be present or problems be solved.

The terms “system” and “device” are used interchangeably herein. Unlessthe context clearly indicates otherwise, neither term implies anylimitation on a type of computing system or computing device. Ingeneral, a computing system or device can include any combination ofspecial-purpose hardware and/or general-purpose hardware with softwareimplementing the functionality described herein.

For the sake of presentation, the detailed description uses terms like“determine” and “use” to describe computer operations in a computingsystem. These terms are high-level abstractions for operations performedby a computer, and should not be confused with acts performed by a humanbeing. The actual computer operations corresponding to these terms varydepending on implementation.

Although the operations of some of the disclosed methods are describedin a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it shouldbe understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement,unless a particular ordering is required by specific language set forthbelow. For example, operations described sequentially may in some casesbe rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake ofsimplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in whichthe disclosed methods can be used in conjunction with other methods.

The following paragraphs further describe embodiments of the hingemechanism:

A. A hinge for coupling at least first and second devices, comprising:

a first coupling member for coupling to the first device;

a second coupling member for coupling to the second device;

at least a first flexible connection member being substantially S-shapedwith the first and second devices in an open tablet configuration, thefirst flexible connection member coupled at one end to the firstcoupling member and at an opposite end to the second coupling member;and at least one tightening member coupled to the at least firstflexible connection member to maintain a selected tension in the atleast first flexible connection member.

B. The hinge of paragraph A, further including at least a secondflexible connection member that is a mirrored S-shape and coupledbetween the first and second coupling members, the second flexibleconnection member forming a cross-configuration with the first flexibleconnection member.

C. The hinge of any of paragraphs A-B, wherein the first coupling memberincludes a first hinge lug having a first channel for receiving thefirst flexible connection member and wherein the second coupling memberincludes a second hinge lug having a second channel for receiving thefirst flexible connection member, the first hinge lug being shaped so asto create a bend in the first flexible connection member and the secondhinge lug being shaped so as to create a reverse bend in the flexibleconnection member.

D. The hinge of any of paragraphs A-C, wherein the tightening memberincludes a termination device coupled to the first flexible connectionmember and the second flexible connection member, with a screw designedto move the termination device so as to selectively increase the tensionin the first and second flexible connection members simultaneously.

E. The hinge of paragraph D, wherein the screw is exposed with the firstand second devices in a closed position so that the screw can beadjusted with the hinge assembled to the first and second devices.

F. The hinge of any of paragraphs A-E, wherein the first device has afirst end and a second device has a second end, and wherein the hingecouples the first end of the first device to the second end of thesecond device.

G. The hinge of any of paragraphs A-F, wherein the first flexibleconnection member extends between the first and second endssubstantially parallel to the first and second ends for at least aportion of the first flexible connection member.

H. The hinge of any of paragraphs A-G, wherein the flexible connectionmember is one of the following: a cable, a wire, a conductor, a belt, anoptical fiber, or a chain.

I. The hinge of any of paragraphs A-H, wherein the at least onetightening member includes a spring.

J. The hinge of any of paragraphs A-I, wherein the first coupling memberis a first hinge lug and the second coupling member is a second hingelug, the first and second hinge lugs being mounted on the first andsecond devices, respectively, so as to face each other, with the firstflexible connection member passing over the first hinge lug and underthe second hinge lug so as to form the substantially S-shape.

K. The hinge of paragraph J, further including a second flexibleconnection member passing under the first hinge lug and over the secondhinge lug to form a mirrored S-shape and a cross configuration betweenthe first flexible connection member and the second flexible connectionmember.

L. An assembly including a hinge, comprising:

a first device having first front and back faces and at least a firstend between the first front and back faces and a second device havingsecond front and back faces and at least a second end between the secondfront and back faces;

a first coupling mechanism attached to the first device adjacent to thefirst end;

a second coupling mechanism attached to the second device adjacent thesecond end;

at least first and second flexible connection members coupled to thefirst and second coupling mechanisms in a cross configuration, the firstflexible connection member following an S-shaped path and the secondflexible connection member following a mirrored S-shaped path with thefirst and second devices in an open position; and

at least first and second tightening mechanisms coupled to the first andsecond flexible connection members, respectively, to tighten the firstand second flexible connection members and maintain the first and secondends in close proximity.

M. The assembly of paragraph L, wherein the first and second couplingmechanisms each have top and bottom sloped channels, and wherein thefirst flexible connection member is positioned within the top slopedchannel of the first coupling mechanism and positioned within the bottomsloped channel of the second coupling mechanism so that the firstflexible connection member follows the S-shaped path.

N. The assembly of any of paragraphs L-M, wherein the first tighteningmechanism is a wire termination that is a fixed connection to an end ofthe first flexible connection member and an end of the second flexibleconnection member.

O. The assembly of paragraph N, further including a screw threadedthrough the first coupling mechanism and in contact with the wiretermination so as to selectively tighten the first and second flexibleconnection members simultaneously.

P. The assembly of any of paragraphs L-O, wherein the S-shaped pathincludes a first end portion of the flexible connection member within achannel of the first coupling mechanism, a bend in the first flexibleconnection member caused by the first coupling mechanism, a middleportion wherein the first flexible connection member extends parallel tothe first and second ends, a reverse bend caused by the second couplingmechanism, and a second end portion of the flexible connection memberwithin a channel of the second coupling mechanism.

Q. A method of coupling first and second devices, comprising:

providing a first hinge lug coupled to the first device, the first hingelug having top and bottom channels;

providing a second hinge lug coupled to the second device, the secondhinge lug having top and bottom channels;

coupling a first flexible connection member in the bottom channel of thefirst hinge lug and in the top channel of the second hinge lug;

coupling a second flexible connection member in the top channel of thefirst hinge lug and the bottom channel of the second hinge lug, so thatthe first and second flexible connection members are in across-configuration;

coupling the first and second flexible connection members to atermination block; and

tightening the first and second flexible connection members using thetermination block.

R. The method of paragraph Q, wherein the tightening includes screwing ascrew that pushes on the termination block, the screw being threadedthrough the first or second hinge lug.

S. The method of any of paragraphs Q-R, wherein the first flexibleconnection member follows an S-shaped path and the second flexibleconnection member follows a mirrored S-shaped path.

T. The method of any of paragraphs Q-S, where the first and seconddevices are coupled end-to-end and rotate 360 degrees.

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of thedisclosed invention may be applied, it should be recognized that theillustrated embodiments are only preferred examples of the invention andshould not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, thescope of the invention is defined by the following claims. We thereforeclaim as our invention all that comes within the scope of these claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hinge for coupling at least first and seconddevices, comprising: a first coupling member for coupling to the firstdevice; a second coupling member for coupling to the second device; atleast a first flexible connection member being substantially S-shapedwith the first and second devices in an open tablet configuration, thefirst flexible connection member coupled at one end to the firstcoupling member and at an opposite end to the second coupling member; asecond flexible connection member that is a mirrored S-shape and coupledbetween the first and second coupling members; and a termination blockcoupled to an end of the first flexible connection member and an end ofthe second flexible connection member so as to couple together the firstflexible connection member and the second flexible connection member. 2.The hinge of claim 1, further including at least one tightening member,which includes a screw threaded on the first coupling member, with anend of the screw pressing on the termination block to simultaneouslytighten the first flexible connection member and the second flexibleconnection member.
 3. The hinge of claim 1, wherein the first couplingmember includes a first hinge lug having a first channel for receivingthe first flexible connection member and wherein the second couplingmember includes a second hinge lug having a second channel for receivingthe first flexible connection member, the first hinge lug being shapedso as to create a bend in the first flexible connection member and thesecond hinge lug being shaped so as to create a reverse bend in theflexible connection member.
 4. The hinge of claim 1, wherein thetermination block is a first termination block and further including asecond termination block at an opposite end of the first flexibleconnection member and the second flexible connection member for couplingtogether the first flexible connection member and the second flexibleconnection member.
 5. The hinge of claim 2, wherein the screw is exposedwith the first and second devices in a closed position so that the screwcan be adjusted with the hinge assembled to the first and seconddevices.
 6. The hinge of claim 1, wherein the first device has a firstend and a second device has a second end, and wherein the hinge couplesthe first end of the first device to the second end of the seconddevice.
 7. The hinge of claim 6, wherein the first flexible connectionmember extends between the first and second ends substantially parallelto the first and second ends for at least a portion of the firstflexible connection member.
 8. The hinge of claim 1, wherein theflexible connection member is one of the following: a cable, a wire, aconductor, a belt, an optical fiber, or a chain.
 9. The hinge of claim1, further including at least one tightening member that includes aspring for pressing on the termination block.
 10. The hinge of claim 1,wherein the first coupling member is a first hinge lug and the secondcoupling member is a second hinge lug, the first and second hinge lugsbeing mounted on the first and second devices, respectively, so as toface each other, with the first flexible connection member passing overthe first hinge lug and under the second hinge lug so as to form thesubstantially S-shape.
 11. The hinge of claim 10, further including asecond flexible connection member passing under the first hinge lug andover the second hinge lug to form a mirrored S-shape and a crossconfiguration between the first flexible connection member and thesecond flexible connection member.
 12. An assembly including a hinge,comprising: a first device having first front and back faces and atleast a first end between the first front and back faces and a seconddevice having second front and back faces and at least a second endbetween the second front and back faces; a first coupling mechanismattached to the first device adjacent to the first end; a secondcoupling mechanism attached to the second device adjacent the secondend; at least first and second flexible connection members coupled tothe first and second coupling mechanisms in a cross configuration, thefirst flexible connection member following an S-shaped path and thesecond flexible connection member following a mirrored S-shaped pathwith the first and second devices in an open position; and a terminationblock coupled to an end of the first flexible connection member andcoupled to an end of the second flexible connection member so as tocouple together the first and second flexible connection members. 13.The assembly of claim 12, further including a tightening mechanismcoupled to the termination block that simultaneously tightens the firstand second flexible connection members.
 14. The assembly of claim 13,wherein the tightening mechanism includes a screw threaded through thefirst coupling mechanism and wherein an end of the screw bears on thetermination block.
 15. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the first andsecond coupling mechanisms each have top and bottom sloped channels, andwherein the first flexible connection member is positioned within thetop sloped channel of the first coupling mechanism and positioned withinthe bottom sloped channel of the second coupling mechanism so that thefirst flexible connection member follows the S-shaped path.
 16. Theassembly of claim 12, wherein the S-shaped path includes a first endportion of the flexible connection member within a channel of the firstcoupling mechanism, a bend in the first flexible connection membercaused by the first coupling mechanism, a middle portion wherein thefirst flexible connection member extends parallel to the first andsecond ends, a reverse bend caused by the second coupling mechanism, anda second end portion of the flexible connection member within a channelof the second coupling mechanism.
 17. A method of coupling first andsecond sides of an electronic device, comprising: coupling a firstflexible connection member in a bottom channel of a first hinge lug andin a top channel of a second hinge lug, wherein the first hinge lug ismounted on the first side and the second hinge lug is mounted on thesecond side; coupling a second flexible connection member in a topchannel of the first hinge lug and a bottom channel of the second hingelug, so that the first and second flexible connection members are in across-configuration; coupling the first and second flexible connectionmembers to a termination block so that the first and second flexibleconnection members are coupled together.
 18. The method of claim 17,further including tightening the first and second flexible connectionmembers using the termination block wherein the tightening includesscrewing a screw through the first hinge lug such that an end of thescrew pushes on the termination block to tighten the first and secondflexible connection members simultaneously.
 19. The method of claim 17,wherein the first flexible connection member follows an S-shaped pathand the second flexible connection member follows a mirrored S-shapedpath.
 20. The method of claim 17, where the first and second sides ofthe electronic device are coupled end-to-end and rotate 360 degrees.